Michael I Cates, 77, passed away on November 4th, at St. Joseph’s Hospital after a battle with cancer. Born in Lewiston, Maine, he and his wife, Ruth, enjoyed summer vacations in Maine and many trips to faraway places over the years.
Mike most recently worked as the building superintendent at the State Tower building in Syracuse, retiring after 25 years. Mike loved to play golf, belonging to 2 leagues and Treasurer of one. He was proud of his military service and enjoyed hearing, “Thank you for your service” when he wore his Air Force Veteran baseball cap.
Mike also was an avid New York Yankees fan, and he and Ruth enjoyed many baseball trips with Mike’s childhood friend, Jim MacBride, and his wife, Ann Marie.
Mike was proud of his 50-year membership of both the Cortlandville Masonic Lodge #470 and the Local 267 Plumbers & Steamfitters union.
Predeceased by his sister, Elaine Stout, and his grandson, Joshua Cates, he is survived by his wife of 40 years, Ruth, and by his children, Kandi (Dan) Horst, Brian (Stacy) and Annette Cates, Christopher Searle, 5 grandchildren, several nieces and nephews, one cousin and many friends.
Services will be held at Robert D. Gray Funeral Home on Monday, November 11th at 1pm. Friends may call from 11 to 1pm. Burial will be at Pine Ridge Cemetery, Navarino immediately following.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Apple Valley UMC, P.O. Box 126, Marietta, NY. 13110.
To send condolences, visit robertdgrayfuneralhome.com.
Mike most recently worked as the building superintendent at the State Tower building in Syracuse, retiring after 25 years. Mike loved to play golf, belonging to 2 leagues and Treasurer of one. He was proud of his military service and enjoyed hearing, “Thank you for your service” when he wore his Air Force Veteran baseball cap.
Mike also was an avid New York Yankees fan, and he and Ruth enjoyed many baseball trips with Mike’s childhood friend, Jim MacBride, and his wife, Ann Marie.
Mike was proud of his 50-year membership of both the Cortlandville Masonic Lodge #470 and the Local 267 Plumbers & Steamfitters union.
Predeceased by his sister, Elaine Stout, and his grandson, Joshua Cates, he is survived by his wife of 40 years, Ruth, and by his children, Kandi (Dan) Horst, Brian (Stacy) and Annette Cates, Christopher Searle, 5 grandchildren, several nieces and nephews, one cousin and many friends.
Services will be held at Robert D. Gray Funeral Home on Monday, November 11th at 1pm. Friends may call from 11 to 1pm. Burial will be at Pine Ridge Cemetery, Navarino immediately following.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Apple Valley UMC, P.O. Box 126, Marietta, NY. 13110.
To send condolences, visit robertdgrayfuneralhome.com.
